Turn the Other Cheek

February 6, 2015/CathyChung/

Topics to Dig Into

Who is He?

What is God like? Who is this man Jesus? How can we understand the Holy Spirit?

The Visible God

God is present and active in our lives, often working through people and ‘coincidences’. Thank and praise Him!

Making it Practical

Following Jesus in today’s world can be challenging. But living according to Jesus’ teaching is incredibly worthwhile. Call it life-changing.

He Knows You

God’s love is unconditional. He knows our hearts and continually invites us into relationship.

Ah-Ha!

Learning about the culture and language of Bible times can reveal new meaning in familiar scriptures. Let’s call them ah-ha moments.

You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.
Matthew 5:38-39 (NLT)

I love learning new things!

An eye for an eye!

Turn the other cheek!

These old adages aren’t very popular now, but I heard both of them growing up. ‘An eye for an eye’ was definitely misused to justify revenge, e.g. he stole my candy, so I’ll just ruin his drawing! In Old Testament times, this law actually limited retaliation or punishment to match the crime. It restrained a victim from taking out a whole family for a minor wrong, which apparently was the modus operandi. This law launched Step One in the process of molding a people of God.

Jesus continues to shape His people with Step Two. He says, “What I really meant was ‘turn the other cheek’”. By the way, this nullifies ‘an eye for an eye’ for disciples of Jesus.

What does that mean?

Be a pacifist? Don’t seek revenge at all? Be a doormat?

As it turns out, we need to understand New Testament culture and pay attention to details. Jesus says ‘If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also’. The significance lies in the right cheek?

Most people in Jesus’ time were right handed. If someone slapped your right cheek with their right hand, you had been backhanded. This gesture asserted dominance and authority over the lower class. Jesus wasn’t describing a fist fight, but rather a dismissal, an insult that implied ‘you’re worth nothing you low life.’

So….

By offering your left cheek, you are actually standing up for yourself. You challenge the offender to hit you with their open hand or fist – to treat you as an equal. The offender wouldn’t strike with his left hand which was used for unclean things. Turn the other cheek says: I won’t retaliate for the way you just insulted my dignity. Instead I will give you an opportunity to make things right.

I love this so much I research how other scholars view this phrase.

Like a productive garden, a rich relationship should be tended regularly.

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Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)

I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (NLT)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.